In a significant development within Maharashtra's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), four prominent leaders from the Pimpri Chinchwad unit have resigned. This move comes as a severe setback to the faction led by Ajit Pawar, particularly after their disappointing performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. These leaders are anticipated to join the faction headed by Sharad Pawar later this week.
Resigned Leaders and Their Positions
The leaders who have stepped down include:
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Ajit Gavhane, Chief of NCP's Pimpri-Chinchwad unit
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Yash Sane, Chief of Pimpri Chinchwad Students' Wing
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Rahul Bhosale, Former Corporator
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Pankaj Bhalekar, Former Corporator
NDTV reported these resignations and have intensified the speculation that several leaders from Ajit Pawar's camp are contemplating a return to Sharad Pawar's faction.
Gavhane’s Aspirations and Strategic Moves
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Gavhane's Position and Statements
Ajit Gavhane has openly expressed his ambition to contest the Assembly elections from the Bhosari constituency. However, the current political alliances make this prospect uncertain. Ajit Pawar's group is currently allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Given that BJP's Mahesh Landge presently holds the Bhosari seat, it is unlikely to be allocated to the NCP.
In an interview with The Free Press Journal, Ajit Gavhane had previously indicated his willingness to join Sharad Pawar's faction if denied a ticket from Ajit Pawar. He clarified his position, stating that he had not met Sharad Pawar nor explicitly declared his intention to contest from Bhosari.
"I did not meet Sharad Pawar. I would not like to comment on anything at the moment. However, I am very clear on contesting the election," Gavhane said. When questioned about his plans if he were denied a ticket by Ajit Pawar, Gavhane stated unequivocally, "There is no question about contesting as an Independent. If I don't get a ticket, I will align with Sharad Pawar's party."
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Sharad Pawar's Stance on Party Unity
Sharad Pawar, addressing the issue last month, emphasized that only those who do not seek to weaken the party would be welcomed back. "Those who wanted to weaken the party would not be taken in. But those leaders who would help strengthen the organization and not hurt the image of the party would be taken in," he stated.
NCP Split and Electoral Performance
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The 2023 Split
The political landscape within the Pawar family shifted dramatically in 2023 when Ajit Pawar rebelled against his uncle and NCP founder, Sharad Pawar. Ajit Pawar joined the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and took on the role of Deputy Chief Minister. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar continued to align with the Opposition.
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Lok Sabha Election Outcomes
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Ajit Pawar's faction, contesting as part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), managed to secure only one seat in Raigad. In contrast, Sharad Pawar's faction achieved success in eight constituencies. This poor performance has likely exacerbated tensions within Ajit Pawar's camp, prompting several leaders to reconsider their allegiance.
Speculations Around Sunetra Pawar's Visit
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Sunetra Pawar’s Alleged Meeting with Sharad Pawar
Adding to the political intrigue, there are speculations that Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, may have met Sharad Pawar in Pune's Modibaug area on July 16. This area is notable for housing one of the city's most prestigious residential projects, where Sharad Pawar also resides.
NCP functionary Suraj Chavan mentioned, “Sunetra Pawar went to Modibaug today to meet the sister of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.” However, this visit has generated considerable buzz as it occurred a day after senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal's meeting with Sharad Pawar. Bhujbal commented, “Sharad Pawar is the senior-most member of the Pawar family. So, if she met him, I think she did a very good thing.”
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Official Statements on the Meeting
Maharashtra Industries Minister and leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Uday Samant, stated, “If Sunetra Pawar met Sharad Pawar today, only she can comment on it. But I want to make it clear that all is well within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.”
This series of events marks a turbulent period for the NCP, with potential realignments and strategic decisions poised to shape the party's future dynamics.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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